Strange events are heavy on Barker Christian's mind this summer at Northshire Inn along Lake Erie. Although the inn feels sleepy, romantic, and hidden, innkeeper Barker knows all its annoying in and outs, and supernatural and grating secrets. Barker's very much aware of the drug use that occurs in room 202, and there are disturbing ghosts in room 112 that haunt the paying guests. Nor can he forget about Radcliff Roberts, the famous horror writer in room 210, who is up to something naughty during the evening hours. Two other strange events occur: Matty Lavender, lead singer of The Thorns, is missing; and a watercolor artist appears on the opposite side of the pond that some guests can see and others can't. Barker stays grounded by his interest in Cal Pipp, the inn's maintenance man. Cal is breathtaking, easy on the eyes, and someone Barker's heart desires. Only problem is Cal doesn't know Barker likes him. Until summer heats up, ghosts materialize, and a different side of Cal appears ...

The Men of Northshire Inn

I could not keep my gaze off this year’s Mr. Templeton, a twenty-three-year-old African American and masculine beauty atop a floral float. Chad Desome never looked better in crew shorts and a matching white shirt. His broad smile glowed through three counties, and his eyes sparkled a magical blue. The queers and ladies among the crowd became ooze because of his gym-perfect handsomeness. I was pretty sure that those who were interested in his striking looks suffered from breathlessness and semi-unconscious.


Chapter 12